Wireless Tool Power Management via Electromagnetic Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-operated wireless medical tools face power management challenges due to finite battery life and unnecessary power consumption when not in use during medical procedures, leading to potential power failures and reduced operational time.
Innovation Solution
A power management system that switches the wireless tool to a hibernation mode when not in use by detecting electromagnetic frequency signals, activating it only when needed, using a location pad with field generators and a processor to calculate location and orientation, thereby conserving battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless tool remains on constantly to provide location indication, then the user can always locate the tool, but the battery power is continuously consumed reducing operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic location detection by monitoring electromagnetic frequency signals at intervals rather than continuously. The processor wakes up periodically to check for location pad signals and only activates the tool when a signal is detected, converting continuous operation into periodic action to conserve battery power while maintaining location awareness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless tool autonomously monitors its own power levels and automatically switches between active and hibernation modes based on detected electromagnetic signals. The system self-manages its power state without requiring manual intervention, activating only when location frequencies are detected and returning to hibernation when no signals are present, thereby serving its own power management needs.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a larger battery is used to extend operational time, then the battery life is extended, but the tool size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic location detection and hibernation modes, the system reduces average power consumption to such an extent that a smaller battery can achieve the same operational duration as a larger battery would provide in continuous operation. This allows the tool to maintain extended battery life while using a lighter, more compact power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes its power consumption parameters by switching between active and hibernation states based on detected electromagnetic signals. This parameter change allows the tool to optimize its power usage profile, enabling the use of smaller batteries while maintaining adequate operational time for medical procedures.
3Reliability
If the tool is kept in active mode during non-use periods, then the location indication is continuously available, but unnecessary power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the essential function of location indication from continuous operation and implements it only when needed - specifically when electromagnetic frequency signals from the location pad are detected. By separating the location indication function from continuous operation, the system eliminates unnecessary power consumption during non-use periods while maintaining availability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool implements periodic monitoring of electromagnetic signals during hibernation mode, waking up at intervals to check for location pad signals. This periodic action maintains the capability for location indication without the continuous power consumption of staying fully active, reducing energy loss while preserving tool availability when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Extends the battery life of wireless tools by reducing power consumption during non-use periods, allowing for extended operation and potentially using smaller batteries, ensuring reliable power during critical medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring a mixed electromagnetic frequency signal emitted by a location pad for electromagnetic navigation purposes
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of field generator coils are adapted to generate the magnetic fields so as to define the working volume
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A power management method and system for switching on a wireless tool when location frequencies are detected, and subsequently invoking a low-powered hibernation mode when location frequencies are not detected. The method and system include a wireless tool configured to emit a mixed electromagnetic frequency signal, and a processor configured to acquire a mixed signal and determine a voltage, set the wireless tool to a hibernation mode when the voltage is below a predetermined amount, and set the wireless tool to an active mode and apply an algorithm to calculate the location and orientation of the wireless tool when the voltage is above the predetermined amount. The system and method thus allow for conservation of battery power of the wireless tool, improving the battery life of the wireless tool and increasing procedural efficiency.